This time of year can be amazing - full of energy, friends, family and festivities. But this time of year can also be suuuuuper stressful. If you’re feeling the stress, you are not alone. So let’s talk about it. Instead of the cliche “How to Survive the Holidays” script, let’s call these little holiday helpers. Because there’s no doubt you WILL survive the season, but we all need a little help sometimes.

And no, before you roll your eyes and move onto the next email in your inbox, this is not a newsletter all about “eating healthy” and skipping the dessert table, because that sounds like a terrible idea.

My personal goal is always to eat delicious food in a way that leaves me feeling good during and after a meal. Eating to the point that makes me feel satisfied and happy, not restricted or stuffed.

Enlist the help of your friends, family, and of course - me, your nutrition coach. It takes a village! So rally your support system to help get you through this stressful time of year. Speak up and let everyone know how they can help you! Whether it’s enjoying a meal together, going for a walk, or just being there for accountability. This is your squad - let them be there for you when you need it most.

Practice mindfulness. Are you eating Christmas cookies just because they are in front of you or are you eating them because they taste delicious and you really want them? Are you eating your favorite cookie? Or would you rather a cup of hot cocoa? Do a little introspection and ask yourself what it is that you really want and will enjoy. Then go ahead and enjoy it!

Listen to hunger and fullness cues. Your body is pretty awesome and does a spectacular job of telling you when you need food and when you’ve had enough. Try to listen to what those signals feel like and eat (or don’t) accordingly.

Keep healthy snacks with you at all times. Whether you’re out running errands or busy party hopping, keep a filling and nutritious snack you feel good about in your purse or glove box so you have a smart option readily available when hunger strikes. It’s never an awesome feeling to enter a social function ravenous only to find the only options are chocolate covered pretzels and cookies.

Bring a nutritious dish to parties as a way to thank your host but also to honor health. Whether it’s your mother in laws get-together or the neighborhood block party, bringing a nutritious dish can be a great way to thank the host and ensure that you have a choice that honors your health and your hunger.

Avoid “all or nothing” thinking. This time of year is about doing the best you can given your circumstances. Don’t shoot for perfect - shoot for the best you can do. This moderation mindset guarantees success!

Speaking of all-or-nothing thinking, if you missed it - I created an awesome FREE gift for you, 5 Tips to Expand Your All-Or-Nothing-Thinking. If you haven’t already, click here to download your gift!

And as always, if you have a friend or a family member who could benefit from these little holiday helpers, pass them along. Because accountability is the gift that keeps on giving!